A group of Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) bishops from the Nyanza region has issued a bold call for the disbandment of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), citing rampant cases of police brutality, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
Led by Rev Charles Onginjo, Bishop of the Diocese of Maseno South, the clergy accused the DCI of morphing into a rogue security unit operating with impunity. Speaking during a press briefing in Kisumu, the bishops demanded urgent intervention from President William Ruto to restore public confidence in the country’s law enforcement agencies.
“As the symbol of national unity, the President must protect all citizens,” said Bishop Onginjo. “It is disheartening that Kenyans continue to suffer at the hands of security officers while the President looks on.”
The bishops said the DCI, which is funded by taxpayers, has turned into a tool of oppression rather than a protector of justice and democratic freedoms. They warned that if unchecked, the conduct of the DCI could push the country towards lawlessness.
“When citizens begin to view the police as their number one enemy, we must accept that we are sliding into a dangerous state of anarchy,” Bishop Onginjo cautioned, calling for a complete overhaul of the DCI’s mandate.
Rev David Kodia, Bishop of Bondo and chair of the ACK Nyanza regional bishops’ forum, described the press conference as part of a broader session of prayer and reflection on the state of the nation.
“As spiritual leaders, we are compelled to stand with the millions of Kenyans facing injustices from those in power,” said Bishop Kodia. “The use of police to harass, maim, and kill dissenters is not only criminal—it is evil and satanic.”
The bishops urged President Ruto to go beyond offering condolences and take decisive action to reform the security sector. They emphasized that only visible and firm leadership would ease the pain and anger of grieving families.
The clergy’s remarks reflect growing public outcry over alleged state-sponsored violence and increasing calls for accountability within Kenya’s security apparatus.
